Mar.25 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has suggested Aston Martin’s Mike Krack could emerge as a candidate for a senior role at Audi following Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure.
Wheatley’s exit – amid reports he now faces a year of gardening leave – has left Audi reshaping its leadership structure under Mattia Binotto, with questions already emerging about who could step into a key supporting role.
Schumacher believes the situation stems from deeper structural tension.
“I don’t think that was the original plan,” he told Sky Deutschland, referring to Audi’s dual leadership model with Binotto.
“He (Wheatley) was promised other things. If things are proving a bit more difficult in practice, then I also believe that Binotto has different ideas about how to structure the team.”
The German said Wheatley’s departure is a setback.
“It’s a shame, because I think continuity is important for the team.”
With Audi now potentially eyeing a replacement alongside Binotto, Schumacher pointed to a specific profile – and a familiar name.
“Audi needs to ensure they think more internationally and perhaps find someone who is currently with other teams,” he said.
“Mike Krack is obviously someone who is doing a very strong job technically at Aston Martin and, above all, has the core competency – to put it simply – of keeping the group together.”
Krack’s language skills, experience and links to Germany were also highlighted as potential advantages.
Whether such a move is realistic remains unclear, with no indication Krack is seeking to leave Aston Martin despite its disastrous start to the Honda era.
“It’s still a great project, of course, even if things are a bit more difficult than planned with Honda at the moment,” Schumacher added.
Audi’s urgency is underlined by a challenging opening to its first full season as a works team.
Reliability has been a major issue, with the team completing just 112 of a possible 228 race laps so far – one of the lowest totals on the grid.
Hydraulic problems have been identified as a key weakness, with the increasingly complex systems in the new cars proving difficult to manage.
At the same time, drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have reported issues with drivability, while race starts and overall execution remain inconsistent.
“It’s still a work in progress, and there’s still a lot of room for improvement,” Hulkenberg admitted.
Despite that, there are signs of underlying potential.
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu suggested Audi’s engine performance may already be stronger than the results indicate.
“If you look at what they can do on a straight line, the Audi is very, very good,” he said.
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES